For the second time this season Derek Carr was carted off in the third quarter of a game after a big hit, and for the second time the Saints quarterback appears to have avoided major injury.
Carr left the game after taking a big hit to the head area on a long completion to Chris Olave. He stayed down on the field for several minutes, but was able to walk off under his own power and head into the injury tent where he was evaluated for a concussion.
The Saints QB was carted back to the locker room and ultimately ruled out of the game with a concussion and a right shoulder injury. The latter is a reason for concern considering the AC sprain he dealt with after the loss to the Packers in Week 3.
Head coach Dennis Allen wouldn’t elaborate on either injury in the aftermath of the 27-19 loss to the Vikings.
Head coach Dennis Allen wouldn’t elaborate on either injury in the aftermath of the 27-19 loss to the Vikings. “I don’t know all the answers to that,” Allen said. “I think we’ll see where he’s at tomorrow.”
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that the injury is not expected to keep Carr out for an extended period. The Saints move on to their bye in Week 11 before returning in Week 12 for a key NFC South matchup with the Falcons.
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Jameis Winston came on and gave the Saints offense a spark, leading a pair of 8-point scoring drives that trimmed a 27-3 deficit to a one-score game, but the offense was unable to take advantage of multiple opportunities to potentially tie the game. Winston’s final line was 13-25 for 122 yards and two touchdowns, though the comeback effort was marred by a pair of interceptions as he tried to make things happen downfield late in the game.
While applauding his backup quarterback’s efforts in the second half, Allen made it clear there would be no change at quarterback when Carr is healthy enough to play.
“We’ll see where Derek’s at. … I know we’re not in a competition there,” Allen said. “I thought Jameis did some good things, but Derek Carr is our starting quarterback.”
Carr’s injury was one of several throughout Week 10 that made things more difficult on the Saints. Wide receiver Michael Thomas left with a knee injury suffered on the first play of the game and he did not return, though the injury is not believed to be serious, according to report. Marshon Lattimore also left the game with an ankle issue, for which he’ll be evaluated further on Monday.